Success, hmm… What is it? Where does it come from? I think this is another one of those words where it depends on your starting point. Whose perspective defines it? If we look at this through a cultural perspective, there are vastly different criteria to measure success. In sports, winning seems to be the definition of success. In business, the one who makes the most money may be considered successful. In music, in beauty pageants, in education, in space exploration, (let’s go to the moon, let’s go to Mars), in public opinion (he who has the most votes wins), and on and on — as long as we are striving for and attaining more, more, more, that seems to be lauded as success.

Is this right? What is the truth? What is success really? What if we looked at this word through our “self or Jesus” filter. What has God revealed to us about this potentially narcissistic word? Everything I see in Scripture indicates that true success comes from God and through the study of and adherence to His laws, through a life of steadfast love and faithfulness. Trusting in the Lord with all our heart and not leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5). This whole success thing seems to start with the basic acquisition of wisdom, which is one of those cool things that God wishes to give with no preconditions. All we need to do is ask (James 1:5). Lord God, grant me wisdom and grant me success brought to life by and through You.

I love You God. I trust You God. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank You God.

—Robin